Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A liquid crystal display device comprising: an upper substrate; a lower substrate opposing the upper substrate and comprising a data line and a gate line insulated from the data line; a liquid crystal layer between the lower substrate and the upper substrate; a current sensing unit which detects a data current based on a data signal applied to the data line so as to detect a change in a liquid crystal capacitance of the liquid crystal layer; a rectifying amplifier which rectifies or amplifies the detected data current so as to generate and output a rectified signal; a reference voltage conversion unit which sets a reference voltage by a voltage difference between data signals successively applied to the data line in real time in an operating state in which the display panel displays image information; a pulse generator which generates a sensing pulse by comparing the rectified signal with a reference voltage; and a duty width detector which detects a duty width of the sensing pulse generated by the pulse generator.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes an upper and lower substrate with a liquid crystal layer between them. The lower substrate contains a data line and a gate line, insulated from each other. The device detects changes in the liquid crystal layer's capacitance by measuring a data current induced by a data signal applied to the data line. A current sensing unit captures this data current, while a rectifying amplifier processes the signal to generate a rectified output. A reference voltage conversion unit dynamically adjusts a reference voltage based on the voltage difference between successive data signals during normal display operation. A pulse generator compares the rectified signal against this reference voltage to produce a sensing pulse, and a duty width detector measures the pulse's duty cycle. This system enables real-time monitoring of liquid crystal capacitance variations, which can indicate defects or performance degradation in the display. The technology addresses the need for accurate, real-time diagnostics in LCDs to ensure consistent image quality and reliability.
2. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a temperature calculator which calculates a temperature of the liquid crystal layer based on the duty width of the sensing pulse.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a temperature calculator that determines the temperature of the liquid crystal layer by analyzing the duty width of a sensing pulse. The device operates in a domain where accurate temperature monitoring of the liquid crystal layer is critical for maintaining display performance, such as response time and color accuracy. Traditional methods may rely on external sensors, which add complexity and cost. This invention addresses the problem by using an internal sensing mechanism that leverages the duty width of a sensing pulse to infer temperature changes in the liquid crystal layer. The temperature calculator processes this duty width data to provide real-time temperature estimates without requiring additional hardware. This approach improves efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable temperature monitoring for optimal display operation. The invention is particularly useful in applications where precise thermal management is essential, such as high-performance LCDs in consumer electronics or industrial displays.
3. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reference voltage is proportional to a voltage difference between the data signal applied to the data line and a data signal applied during a previous horizontal synchronization period.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a reference voltage generation circuit that dynamically adjusts a reference voltage based on the voltage difference between a current data signal and a data signal from a previous horizontal synchronization period. This adjustment compensates for variations in the data signal, improving display uniformity and reducing flicker. The reference voltage is proportional to the voltage difference, ensuring precise compensation. The LCD device further includes a pixel array with data lines, gate lines, and thin-film transistors (TFTs) that control pixel charging. The reference voltage is used to generate a compensation signal that adjusts the data signal before it is applied to the pixels, enhancing image quality. The dynamic adjustment mechanism helps mitigate distortions caused by signal variations, particularly in high-resolution or fast-refresh-rate displays. This approach is useful in applications requiring high visual fidelity, such as professional monitors or medical imaging systems. The invention addresses the problem of inconsistent brightness and color uniformity in LCDs by dynamically adapting the reference voltage to changing display conditions.
4. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the reference voltage has a voltage value between a lowest voltage and a highest voltage of the rectified signal corresponding to the data current during a horizontal synchronization period.
A liquid crystal display device includes a rectification circuit that converts a data current into a rectified signal. The rectified signal is used to generate a reference voltage, which is applied to a pixel circuit to control the display. The reference voltage is set to a value between the lowest and highest voltages of the rectified signal during a horizontal synchronization period. This ensures stable voltage levels for accurate pixel driving. The pixel circuit may include a driving transistor that supplies current to a light-emitting element based on the reference voltage, and a storage capacitor that holds the voltage to maintain display consistency. The rectification circuit may use a diode or other components to convert the data current into a unidirectional signal. The reference voltage is dynamically adjusted to match the signal range, improving display uniformity and reducing flicker. The device may be used in active-matrix displays, such as OLEDs or LCDs, where precise voltage control is critical for image quality. The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining stable voltage levels in display systems where data currents vary, ensuring consistent brightness and color accuracy.
5. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the pulse generator generates a plurality of sensing pulses having a substantially same duty width when a temperature of the liquid crystal layer is constant.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a pulse generator that produces multiple sensing pulses with a consistent duty width when the temperature of the liquid crystal layer remains stable. This feature ensures accurate and reliable sensing of the liquid crystal layer's properties, such as response time or alignment, by maintaining uniform pulse characteristics under constant thermal conditions. The pulse generator may be part of a larger sensing circuit that monitors the LCD's performance, adjusting display parameters as needed to optimize image quality. The consistent duty width of the sensing pulses helps minimize errors in measurements caused by temperature fluctuations, improving the overall stability and accuracy of the display's operation. This design is particularly useful in applications where precise control of liquid crystal behavior is critical, such as high-resolution or high-refresh-rate displays. The pulse generator may be integrated into the LCD's driver circuitry or a dedicated sensing module, ensuring seamless operation without disrupting the display's primary functions. By maintaining stable sensing pulses under constant temperature conditions, the device enhances its ability to detect and compensate for variations in liquid crystal properties, leading to better performance and longevity.
6. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensing pulse has a narrower pulse width as a temperature of the liquid crystal layer rises.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a liquid crystal layer and a sensing system that detects changes in the liquid crystal layer's properties. The sensing system generates a sensing pulse to measure these properties, such as resistance or capacitance, which can vary with temperature. To improve accuracy, the sensing pulse's width is dynamically adjusted based on the temperature of the liquid crystal layer. Specifically, as the temperature of the liquid crystal layer increases, the pulse width of the sensing pulse decreases. This adjustment compensates for temperature-induced variations in the liquid crystal material, ensuring consistent and reliable sensing performance across different operating conditions. The system may include a temperature sensor to monitor the liquid crystal layer's temperature and a controller to adjust the pulse width accordingly. This approach enhances the display's stability and accuracy in temperature-sensitive applications.
7. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the current sensing unit comprises at least one of a sensing resistor, a photo-coupler and a current mirror circuit.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a current sensing unit designed to monitor and regulate electrical current within the display system. The current sensing unit is configured to detect and measure current levels to ensure proper operation and prevent damage from excessive current flow. This unit may incorporate various components such as a sensing resistor, a photo-coupler, or a current mirror circuit. A sensing resistor provides a simple and cost-effective way to measure current by generating a voltage drop proportional to the current. A photo-coupler offers electrical isolation between the sensing circuit and the display circuitry, enhancing safety and noise immunity. A current mirror circuit replicates the current in one branch to another, allowing precise current monitoring without disrupting the original circuit. By integrating these components, the LCD device can accurately monitor and control current, improving reliability and performance. The current sensing unit ensures that the display operates within safe electrical parameters, preventing overheating, component degradation, or system failure. This technology is particularly useful in high-performance LCD applications where precise current regulation is critical for maintaining image quality and longevity.
8. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising data lines, wherein the current sensing unit is separately connected to each of the data lines and detects the data current for each of the data lines.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a current sensing unit that monitors data currents flowing through data lines. The device addresses the challenge of detecting and compensating for variations in data currents, which can degrade display performance. The current sensing unit is individually connected to each data line, allowing it to measure the data current for each line separately. This enables precise detection of current fluctuations, which may arise from factors such as manufacturing tolerances, temperature changes, or aging components. By isolating and measuring currents per data line, the device can improve uniformity and accuracy in display output. The current sensing unit may be integrated into the display driver circuitry or positioned along the data lines to minimize signal interference. This design enhances the reliability and longevity of the LCD by ensuring consistent current delivery to each pixel, reducing visual artifacts and maintaining image quality over time. The solution is particularly useful in high-resolution displays where precise current control is critical.
9. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the current sensing unit is integrated with the data driver which applies the data signal to the data line.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a current sensing unit integrated with a data driver. The data driver applies a data signal to a data line connected to a pixel circuit, which typically includes a switching transistor and a liquid crystal capacitor. The current sensing unit monitors the current flowing through the data line to detect defects or variations in the pixel circuit, such as short circuits, open circuits, or degradation in the liquid crystal material. By integrating the current sensing unit with the data driver, the LCD device can perform real-time diagnostics without requiring additional external circuitry, reducing complexity and cost. The current sensing unit may include a current mirror or a transimpedance amplifier to convert the sensed current into a measurable voltage signal, which is then analyzed to identify and locate faults in the display panel. This integration improves manufacturing yield and reliability by enabling early detection of defects during production and operation. The LCD device may be used in applications such as smartphones, televisions, or digital signage, where display quality and reliability are critical.
10. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of data lines, wherein the current sensing unit is connected to the plurality of data lines and detects the data current by summing the data currents applied to the plurality of data lines.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a current sensing unit that measures the electrical current applied to the display's data lines. The device further comprises multiple data lines, each supplying current to drive the display pixels. The current sensing unit is connected to these data lines and detects the total data current by summing the individual currents applied to each line. This summed current measurement allows for monitoring and control of the display's power consumption and performance. The current sensing unit may be used to adjust the display's driving conditions, such as voltage levels or timing, to optimize efficiency and image quality. The summed current detection helps identify variations in power usage across different display regions, enabling dynamic adjustments to maintain uniform brightness and reduce energy waste. This approach is particularly useful in high-resolution or large-area displays where precise current monitoring is essential for maintaining display uniformity and longevity. The current sensing unit may also be integrated with feedback control systems to automatically regulate the display's power supply based on real-time current measurements.
11. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rectifying amplifier separates and rectifies a positive current and a negative current of the data current.
A liquid crystal display device includes a rectifying amplifier that processes data current signals. The device operates in the field of display technology, specifically addressing the need for efficient signal processing in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The rectifying amplifier is designed to separate and rectify both positive and negative components of the data current. This separation ensures that the positive and negative currents are handled independently, improving signal integrity and reducing distortion. The amplifier's rectification function converts alternating current (AC) signals into direct current (DC) signals, which are more stable for driving the liquid crystal elements. By isolating the positive and negative currents, the amplifier enhances the accuracy of the data signals, leading to better display performance. This design is particularly useful in high-resolution displays where precise signal control is critical. The rectifying amplifier's ability to manage both current polarities ensures consistent and reliable operation of the LCD, addressing challenges related to signal interference and power efficiency. The overall system integrates this amplifier to optimize the display's response time and image quality.
12. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a display panel; a pixel on the display panel, the pixel comprising a liquid crystal layer having a liquid crystal capacitance which varies depending on a temperature change; a data driver which applies a data signal to the pixel and a gate driver which applies a gate signal to the pixel; a timing controller which controls the data driver and the gate driver; and a temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the liquid crystal layer, and comprises: a current sensing unit which detects a data current generated by the data signal; a rectifying amplifier which rectifies or amplifies the detected data current so as to output a rectified signal; a reference voltage conversion unit which sets a reference voltage by a voltage difference between data signals successively applied to the data line in real time in an operating state in which the display panel displays image information; a pulse generator which compares the rectified signal with the reference voltage so as to generate a sensing pulse; a duty width detector which detects a duty width of the sensing pulse output from the pulse generator; and a temperature calculator which determines the temperature of the liquid crystal layer based on the duty width, wherein the timing controller corrects an input image data based on the temperature of the liquid crystal layer output from the temperature sensor.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a display panel with pixels, each containing a liquid crystal layer whose capacitance changes with temperature. The device has a data driver and gate driver to apply signals to the pixels, controlled by a timing controller. A temperature sensor detects the liquid crystal layer's temperature by measuring a data current generated by the data signal. The sensor includes a current sensing unit to detect this current, a rectifying amplifier to process the current into a rectified signal, and a reference voltage conversion unit that sets a reference voltage based on the voltage difference between successive data signals applied to the data line during normal display operation. A pulse generator compares the rectified signal with the reference voltage to generate a sensing pulse, and a duty width detector measures the pulse's duty width. A temperature calculator determines the liquid crystal layer's temperature from the duty width. The timing controller then adjusts input image data to compensate for temperature-induced variations in the liquid crystal layer, ensuring consistent display performance. This system enables real-time temperature monitoring and correction, improving display accuracy and reliability.
13. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the timing controller receives red, green and blue image data and corrects the red, green and blue image data with a correction gamma value, and the timing controller corrects the red, green and blue image data by applying a less correction gamma value as the sensed temperature is higher.
This technical summary describes a liquid crystal display (LCD) device with temperature-dependent gamma correction for improved image quality. The device includes a display panel, a temperature sensor, and a timing controller. The temperature sensor detects the operating temperature of the display panel. The timing controller receives red, green, and blue (RGB) image data and applies a correction gamma value to adjust the brightness and contrast of the displayed image. The correction gamma value is dynamically adjusted based on the sensed temperature. Specifically, as the temperature increases, the timing controller applies a smaller correction gamma value to compensate for temperature-induced changes in the display panel's characteristics, such as variations in liquid crystal response or backlight intensity. This ensures consistent image quality across different operating temperatures. The timing controller may also perform additional functions, such as generating control signals for the display panel and processing input image data. The temperature-dependent gamma correction helps maintain accurate color reproduction and brightness levels, enhancing the overall visual performance of the LCD device.
14. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the timing controller applies different correction gamma values for respective colors to correct light emission characteristics of red, green and blue pixels.
The invention relates to liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, specifically addressing the challenge of color accuracy and uniformity in display output. LCDs often suffer from variations in light emission characteristics across different color channels (red, green, and blue), leading to color distortion or imbalance. This invention improves color fidelity by applying distinct correction gamma values for each color channel. The LCD device includes a timing controller that processes input image data and generates control signals for driving the display. The timing controller applies different gamma correction values to the red, green, and blue sub-pixels to compensate for variations in their light emission properties. This ensures that each color channel is accurately represented, enhancing overall color consistency and image quality. The correction is dynamically applied during display operation, allowing real-time adjustments to maintain optimal color performance under varying conditions. By independently adjusting the gamma values for each color, the invention corrects inherent discrepancies in pixel behavior, such as differences in brightness or response time. This approach improves color accuracy without requiring additional hardware, making it a cost-effective solution for high-quality displays. The method is particularly useful in applications where precise color reproduction is critical, such as professional monitors, medical imaging, and high-end consumer electronics.
15. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the timing controller applies a correction value so that an image data of a current frame increases from an image data of a previous frame, and the correction value when the sensed temperature is relatively high is less than the correction value when the sensed temperature is relatively low.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a temperature sensor and a timing controller that adjusts image data based on temperature to improve display performance. The device detects the operating temperature of the display and applies a correction value to the image data of a current frame to increase its brightness or intensity compared to the previous frame. The correction value is dynamically adjusted based on the sensed temperature, with a smaller correction applied at higher temperatures and a larger correction at lower temperatures. This temperature-dependent correction helps compensate for variations in liquid crystal response time and other temperature-sensitive display characteristics, ensuring consistent image quality across different operating conditions. The timing controller processes the image data and applies the correction before transmission to the display panel, ensuring real-time adjustments without additional hardware. This approach enhances display uniformity and responsiveness, particularly in environments with fluctuating temperatures.
16. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the timing controller increases an application period of the gate signal depending on a degree of separation between the pixel to which the gate signal is applied and the data driver.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a timing controller that adjusts the duration of gate signals applied to pixels based on their physical proximity to a data driver. The device comprises a display panel with pixels arranged in rows and columns, a gate driver that supplies gate signals to the rows, and a data driver that provides data signals to the columns. The timing controller generates control signals for the gate and data drivers, including the timing and duration of the gate signals. To improve display performance, the timing controller extends the application period of a gate signal for pixels that are farther from the data driver. This compensates for signal delays or distortions that may occur over longer distances, ensuring uniform and accurate data signal transmission to all pixels. The adjustment is made dynamically based on the degree of separation between the pixel and the data driver, optimizing display quality across the entire panel. This solution addresses issues related to signal integrity in large or high-resolution LCDs where signal propagation delays can degrade image quality.
17. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the application period of the gate signal by the timing controller is shorter when the sensed temperature is relatively high as compared to the application period of the gate signal when the sensed temperature is relatively low.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a temperature sensor and a timing controller that adjusts the duration of gate signals based on the sensed temperature. The device operates in a display panel with multiple gate lines and source lines, where the timing controller generates gate signals to control the switching of thin-film transistors (TFTs) connected to the gate lines. The temperature sensor detects the operating temperature of the display panel. When the sensed temperature is relatively high, the timing controller shortens the application period of the gate signals compared to when the sensed temperature is relatively low. This adjustment helps mitigate temperature-related performance issues, such as increased leakage current or reduced response time, by dynamically optimizing the gate signal duration. The device may also include a gate driver circuit that distributes the gate signals to the gate lines and a source driver circuit that provides data signals to the source lines. The timing controller synchronizes the gate and data signals to ensure proper pixel charging. By dynamically adjusting the gate signal duration based on temperature, the LCD device maintains stable performance across varying thermal conditions.
18. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the gate driver outputs a plurality of gate signals overlapping one data signal.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, specifically addressing the challenge of improving display performance by optimizing the timing of gate and data signals. In conventional LCDs, gate signals control the switching of pixels, while data signals provide the image data. However, mismatched timing between these signals can lead to visual artifacts such as flicker or reduced image quality. The invention describes an LCD device with a gate driver that outputs multiple gate signals that overlap with a single data signal. This overlapping ensures that the data signal is stable and properly applied to the pixels, reducing timing-related distortions. The gate driver generates these overlapping signals to synchronize with the data signal, enhancing display uniformity and image quality. The overlapping gate signals allow for more precise control over pixel charging, minimizing errors caused by signal delays or mismatches. This approach is particularly useful in high-resolution or high-refresh-rate displays where signal timing is critical. The invention also includes a data driver that provides the data signal to the pixels, ensuring that the overlapping gate signals align correctly with the data signal. The display panel includes an array of pixels, each controlled by a gate line and a data line, where the gate driver's overlapping signals improve the consistency of pixel charging. This method enhances display performance by reducing flicker, improving response times, and maintaining image clarity across different viewing conditions. The invention is applicable to various LCD technologies, including advanced thin-film transistor (TFT) displays.
19. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 18 , wherein one of the plurality of gate signals overlaps a plurality of data signals.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a display panel with a plurality of gate lines and data lines arranged in a matrix. The gate lines transmit gate signals to control switching of thin-film transistors (TFTs) connected to pixel electrodes, while the data lines transmit data signals representing image data to the pixel electrodes. In this LCD device, one of the gate signals is configured to overlap in time with multiple data signals. This overlapping occurs during a single frame period, allowing the gate signal to remain active while multiple data signals are sequentially applied to the data lines. The overlapping ensures that the TFTs remain conductive for a sufficient duration to charge the pixel electrodes accurately, even when high-resolution or high-refresh-rate displays require rapid switching. This design improves display performance by reducing flicker, enhancing image stability, and enabling faster response times. The overlapping gate and data signals are synchronized to prevent signal interference, ensuring proper pixel charging and maintaining display quality. The LCD device may also include additional features such as a timing controller to manage signal timing and a gate driver to generate the overlapping gate signals. This configuration is particularly useful in high-resolution or high-refresh-rate displays where precise timing control is critical.
20. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 19 , wherein the reference voltage conversion unit varies the reference voltage according to a number of the plurality of gate signals overlapping the data signal.
A liquid crystal display device includes a reference voltage conversion unit that adjusts a reference voltage based on the number of overlapping gate signals affecting a data signal. The device operates in the field of display technology, specifically addressing issues related to signal interference and display quality in liquid crystal displays. When multiple gate signals overlap with a data signal, the reference voltage is dynamically modified to compensate for potential distortions or inaccuracies in the displayed image. This adjustment ensures consistent and accurate signal transmission, improving display performance. The reference voltage conversion unit monitors the gate signals and data signal interactions, calculating the degree of overlap to determine the necessary voltage adjustment. By dynamically varying the reference voltage, the device mitigates signal interference, enhances image clarity, and maintains uniform display quality across different operating conditions. This solution is particularly useful in high-resolution or high-refresh-rate displays where signal integrity is critical. The technology focuses on optimizing signal processing to enhance visual output without requiring significant hardware modifications, making it adaptable to existing display systems.
21. The liquid crystal display device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the duty width of the sensing pulse is kept constant regardless of the variation of the reference voltage.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a display panel with a plurality of pixels and a touch sensing system integrated into the display panel. The touch sensing system detects touch inputs by applying sensing pulses to touch electrodes and measuring changes in electrical properties. The sensing pulses are generated based on a reference voltage, which can vary due to manufacturing tolerances, temperature fluctuations, or other factors. To ensure accurate touch detection, the duty width of the sensing pulse is maintained at a constant value regardless of variations in the reference voltage. This stability in the duty width improves the reliability of touch sensing by preventing distortions in the sensing signal that could arise from fluctuations in the reference voltage. The LCD device may also include a timing controller that generates the sensing pulses and adjusts their timing to maintain the constant duty width. The touch sensing system may operate in a mutual-capacitance or self-capacitance mode, where the sensing pulses are applied to drive electrodes and received by sense electrodes to detect touch interactions. By keeping the duty width constant, the touch sensing system achieves consistent performance across different operating conditions.
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February 4, 2020
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